Before You Call a Removals Company: A Guide to preparing for your move.

Planning a house move in Manchester or beyond? Before you pick up the phone to call a removals company, taking time to prepare properly can save you money, stress, and last-minute surprises.

At Manchester Removals and Storage, we have experience of thousands of moves. One thing we know for certain: the more prepared you are before requesting a quote, the smoother your move will be.

This in-depth guide explains exactly how to prepare before contacting a removal company — including what information movers need, how to create a home inventory, and how to ensure your quote is accurate.

📞 Why Preparation Matters Before Requesting a Removals Quote

No two house moves are identical.

Even two properties with the same number of bedrooms can vary dramatically in:

• Volume of furniture

• Access restrictions

• Packing requirements

• Distance between properties

• Storage needs

Because of rising operational and survey costs, many professional removal companies now offer:

• Telephone consultations

• Video surveys

• Online inventory forms

• Email-based quotations

This allows movers to assess whether their service fits your budget before arranging a physical visit.

Being organised at the enquiry stage ensures:

• You receive an accurate estimate

• The right vehicle size is allocated

• The correct number of movers are scheduled

• There are no hidden surprises on moving day

🏡 Property Type & Access: What Movers Need to Know

One of the most important factors in a removals quote is access.

Key Questions a Removals Company Will Ask:

• What type of property are you moving from and to?

  • Detached house?

  • Semi-detached?

  • Terraced property?

  • Apartment or flat?

• Is there parking available for a removals lorry?

• Are there any height or width restrictions?

• Are there stairs, lifts, or long carry distances?

• Will furniture fit in the lift?

• Are there tight staircases or narrow doorways?

If you live in an apartment building, clarify:

• Which floor are you on?

• Is the lift large enough for sofas and wardrobes?

• Are there time restrictions for moving?

Failing to mention access challenges early can result in:

• Underestimated quotes

• Additional charges

• Delays on moving day

Being transparent helps your removal company plan properly.

📝 Create a Detailed Home Inventory (This Is Crucial)

Before making enquiries, walk through your home and compile a full list of items to be moved.

Why an Inventory Is Essential

Removal companies calculate quotes based on:

• Volume (cubic footage)

• Weight

• Labour required

• Vehicle size needed

Without a clear inventory, quotes may be inaccurate.

How to Create a Moving Inventory

You can:

• Use an Excel spreadsheet

• Create a room-by-room list

• Take photos or video walkthroughs

• Use a digital inventory app

Include:

Large Items

• Beds (size matters – single, double, king)

• Wardrobes

• Sofas (2-seater, 3-seater, corner)

• Dining tables

• Sideboards

• Fridge/freezer

• Washing machine

• Tumble dryer

Medium Items

• Bookcases

• Coffee tables

• TV units

• Office desks

• Garden furniture

Specialist Items

• Pianos

• Gym equipment

• Safes

• Aquariums

• Antiques

• Artwork

Benefits of Preparing an Inventory

• You won’t forget anything

• Quotes will be more accurate

• You won’t need to repeat details

• The move coordinator can plan efficiently

• You can easily compare multiple quotes

Simply email the inventory to your removal company and allow them to assess your move properly.

📦 Estimating Boxes & Packing Requirements

One of the biggest unknowns during a move is the number of boxes required.

Although it’s difficult to estimate precisely, providing a rough idea helps movers determine:

• Packing material costs

• Time required

• Labour needs

Typical Box Estimates

• 1-bed flat: 15–25 boxes

• 2-bed house: 25–40 boxes

• 3-bed house: 40–60 boxes

• 4+ bed property: 60–100+ boxes

Ask yourself:

• Are you packing yourself?

• Do you need partial packing?

• Would you prefer full professional packing?

Professional packing services reduce:

• Breakages

• Stress

• Time pressure

They also ensure fragile items are fully insured.

🔧 Dismantling & Reassembly of Furniture

As you walk around your home compiling your inventory, consider:

• Will the wardrobe fit through the door?

• Does the bed need dismantling?

• Does the dining table separate?

• Will doors need removing?

Most professional movers offer:

• Dismantling services

• Reassembly at your new home

However, this must be factored into your quote.

If you don’t mention dismantling requirements early, your removal company may:

• Underestimate labour time

• Require additional crew on the day

• Adjust pricing unexpectedly

Planning ahead avoids this.

🚛 Distance & Moving Day Logistics

Removal companies will also need to know:

• Moving date (or flexibility)

• Distance between properties

• Completion timing

• Key collection arrangements

• Storage requirements

If there’s a chain involved, explain:

• Are you first-time buyers?

• Is there a delayed completion?

• Do you need overnight storage?

Providing this detail ensures your removal company can:

• Schedule vehicles efficiently

• Allocate sufficient team members

• Plan contingencies

💷 Budget Discussions: Be Open

It’s perfectly acceptable to discuss your budget.

Many professional removal companies will:

• Provide different service options

• Suggest partial packing

• Recommend storage solutions

• Adjust labour numbers to suit

An early estimate avoids wasted time on surveys that exceed your budget.

🖥️ Modern Moving: Virtual Surveys & AI-Driven Quotes

The removals industry has evolved.

Many companies now offer:

• Video call surveys

• AI-assisted volume calculations

• Digital booking systems

• Online document signing

This allows entire moves to be arranged without an in-person visit — provided accurate information is supplied.

The more detail you give, the more precise the quote.

📋 Checklist: Prepare Before Calling a Removals Company

Here’s your quick-reference guide:

✔ Create a full home inventory
✔ Note dismantling requirements
✔ Estimate box quantities
✔ Identify access restrictions
✔ Confirm parking availability
✔ Check lift dimensions
✔ Confirm moving dates
✔ Consider packing options
✔ Be clear about storage needs
✔ Decide your budget range

🧠 How Being Organised Gets You a Better Quote

When you are prepared:

• Movers can allocate correct resources

• Labour time is estimated properly

• The right vehicle is assigned

• Your move runs efficiently

• There are no last-minute complications

An organised customer allows a removal company to:

• Price competitively

• Reduce risk

• Deliver a smoother moving day

🚀 Final Thoughts: Make the Call with Confidence

Preparation transforms your moving experience.

Before calling a removals company:

• Know what you’re moving

• Understand your access situation

• Consider packing needs

• Be open about your budget

When you’re organised, removal companies can provide accurate, transparent quotes — and your move becomes far less stressful.

If you’re planning a move in Manchester or the surrounding areas, taking these steps before you enquire will ensure everything runs smoothly from first call to final box.